Half-Marathon Tip #18: Start Your Pre-Race Prep Early

Whether it's your first race or your 50th, this expert advice will help get you across the finish line faster, happier and healthier. Check back weekly between now and race day (April 3, 2011!) for a new installment.

MORE.com Health Editors

Photograph: Nigel Carse

The Critical Hours
To perform optimally on race day, don’t cram your pre-race preparations into the day before. “Crunchtime is really 72 to 96 hours before the race,” says avid marathoner Lori Bestervelt, PhD, senior vice president and chief technical officer of NSF International, a not-for-profit public health and safety organization. “If you’re trying to get more rest, load up on carbohydrates or drink more fluids, start doing those things three to four days in advance to allow your body time to adjust and prepare for race day.”